Mercedes Instrument Cluster Failure Symptoms (W210/W208 E-Class and CLK)

Models affected:  

  • CLK 2000-2003 W208 (CLK320, CLK430, CLK55 AMG)

  • E-Class 2000-2003 W210 (E320, E430, E55 AMG)

Common Issues:

Bulb Failure 

The most common bulb failures are for the 3 LCD displays and the 3 gauge faces. These are backlit by 6 bulbs. The uptime of the aforementioned bulbs are the highest as they are always on while the vehicle is operated. When bulb failure occurs, the time and gear position displays may become illegible, and the central LCD may appear partially illuminated. 

LCD Pixelation 

Pixelation is typically present on the left and right LCD displays which provide temperature, time, and gear position information. This is caused by the failure of the LCD carbon ribbon cables which are adhered to the conductive strips on the instrument cluster circuit board. When the cable fails to properly contact the circuit board, it results in dead pixels on the LCD display

LCD screen delamination

This presents as damage to the screen face that begins on the leading edge of the screen. This is an irreversible breakdown of the coating on the display and can only be resolved with screen replacement.




If you are interested in having your instrument cluster refurbished to resolve any of those symptoms, see my instrument cluster repair link.

Kyle Bascombe